Chargers counting on charismatic QB to give the team a winning direction [10:16 AM]San Diego Union Tribune reports:
'Chargers director of ticket sales Jerry McBurney said that as a result of the Flutie signing the club sold about 100 new season tickets yesterday. "The phones have been ringing off the hook and the lobby has been full of people," McBurney said.'

Flutie ready to work magic with Chargers [9:03 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"The people of Buffalo, the fan support that I had there, the organization, the players on the team, it was just a great, great three years and a lot of fun," Flutie said.'

RB Smith gets to prove himself again [7:41 AM]D and C reports:
'And Antowain Smith, who lost his starting job last season, asked to be traded and was expected to be a salary-cap victim but survived last week's cuts, is part of new coach Gregg Williams' plans.'

QB controversy could follow Flutie to San Diego [7:40 AM]D and C reports:
'One potential problem for Doug Flutie in San Diego: The Chargers want him to start for next season but he says he has three or four good years left in him as an effective NFL QB.'

Flutie takes charge in San Diego [7:39 AM]Boston Globe reports:
'One of the most beloved players in New England history, the former Natick and Boston College star fielded calls from Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, and Miami, but decided sunny Southern California was his best option.'

Tip sheet: Chargers have plans set with Flutie, Vick [7:38 AM]CBS Sportsline reports:
'SportsLine.com has learned that the six-year contract that Doug Flutie signed with the team on Friday is structured more as a two-year deal. On paper, the contract is believed to be worth $28 million to $30 million, but is severely backloaded, with the final four years averaging somewhere in the area of $5 million annually.'

March 9, 2001

Flutie signing energizes Chargers [7:45 PM]AP reports:
'Although neither side would discuss specifics, the contract is believed to be in $28 million to $30 million range, similar to what Brad Johnson got from Tampa Bay and Elvis Grbac got from Baltimore. The signing bonus is believed to be about $3 million.'

Chargers sign QB Flutie to six-year deal [2:18 PM]Sportsticker reports:
'"He's been a winner. That is the realm of a quarterback. That is what its all about," Chargers coach Mike Riley said. "He has won football games."'

Chargers can taste victory: Flutie's in fold [10:09 AM]San Diego Union Tribune reports:
'Grocery stores should begin stocking up on Flutie Flakes, since that breakfast cereal figures to be a hit in San Diego now that free-agent quarterback Doug Flutie has agreed in principle to a contract with the Chargers.'

Flutie close to deal with Bolts [10:09 AM]North County Times reports:
'It appears free-agent Doug Flutie is the man being asked to resurrect the Chargers' tepid offense, as sources confirmed his agent, Kristen Kuliga was to arrive in San Diego late Thursday night.'

Chargers still waiting for right quarterback [10:08 AM]North County Times reports:
'Flutie is expected in Kansas City Sunday night to give the Chiefs a serious look...Even if K.C. is an alternative, will Flutie's loyalty to Chargers executives John Butler and A.J. Smith ---- for giving his NFL career CPR in 1998 ---- sway him toward San Diego?'

Johnson keeps good works to himself [8:54 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"Rob is very understated and that may be why our community has underestimated his role and his involvement," Kahn said. "He has an innate understanding that sometimes media can exploit sick kids. We don't want to put our kids on display and Rob understands that. And he doesn't want that. He wants to do it in a quiet way that's meaningful."'

Flutie charges forward [6:06 AM]Metro West Daily News reports:
'Financial terms of the agreement have not been revealed but it could be a six-year deal for the 38-year-old Flutie, who was released last week by the Buffalo Bills.'

Players 2000 community donations [2:45 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'For the second straight year, several Bills launched performance-based charity contribution campaigns. Last September, the players made pledges to specific charities based on their potential performances. After the season, they tallied up their statistical marks and made considerable donations to eleven local charities and national affiliates.'

Bills to hold off season conditioning program [2:44 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'The Bills will hold their first voluntary off-season conditioning program next Monday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 14. Tom Donahoe recently sat down with buffalobills.com and talked briefly about plans for this program as well as the entire off-season schedule.'

Steelers talking with tackle [1:37 PM]Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports:
'Washington is seeking a contract in line with what the Seahawks gave defensive tackle John Randle (five years, $25 million, with a $5 million signing bonus). "We're not going to play for peanuts," Wright said. "These teams think they can bottom-feed."'

TSN NFL Draft 2001 [12:34 PM]The Sporting News reports:
Now that Marcellus Wiley has signed with the Chargers and Ted Washington was let go, more mock drafts are predicting the Bills will use their first pick on a defensive lineman. This one has them taking Shaun Rogers of Texas.

Collins starting is Chiefs' worst nightmare [12:03 PM]Kansas City Star reports:
'This is a nightware which was reality for the Bills for one year [1997]. A *TRUE* QB controversy is when you do not have a QB you want to start, as Cleveland had at the end of last year or the Chiefs will if Collins is the starter. People will start cheering for the punter to start as QB.'

Chargers get new QB option [11:08 AM]San Diego Union Tribune reports:
'The cons: At 38, can [Flutie] still perform at a high level?...Openly bickered with Rob Johnson over who should start, raising questions about his willingness to tutor Vick.'